A businessman was today (Tuesday) found guilty at Kwun Tong Magistracy of impersonating an ICAC officer in a bid to obtain financial information of a business partner against whom a civil litigation the defendant had instigated.

Wong Sai-hung, 35, was convicted of two counts of falsely pretending to be an officer of the ICAC, contrary to S.13C(a) of the ICAC Ordinance.

Deputy Magistrate Daniel Tang Siu-hung adjourned sentencing to December 15, pending community service order and background reports. The defendant was ordered to be remanded under the custody of the Correctional Services Department.

The court heard that in September 2006, the defendant set up Easytone Telecom Company Limited with five others. He was the major shareholder and a director.

In May 2007, arising from a money dispute, the defendant instigated a civil action against two of the partners, including Mok So-yin.

While the civil litigation was going on, the defendant lodged a corruption complaint with the ICAC, alleging Mok of having accepted advantages from a company in relation to the awarding of a business contract.

The court heard that in May 2008, the defendant made two phone calls to Mok’s wife, falsely pretending as an ICAC officer.

On the first call, the defendant told Mok’s wife that her husband was under ICAC investigation and that Mok would likely to be charged. The defendant then enquired into Mok’s financial situation.

On the second call to the mobile phone of Mok’s wife, the defendant identified himself as an ICAC officer and wanted to discuss further Mok’s case.

The prosecution was today represented by Senior Public Prosecutor Vivien Chan, assisted by ICAC officer Kenny Tse.